Israel eases Gaza blockade on some banned foods

AP

A Palestinian girl holding a national flag stands near the border line with Israel, background, during a weekly protest march against Israel, in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday June 8, 2010. The sudden opening of Gaza's gateway to the world through its southern border with Egypt has turned into a scene of extreme anxiety. Hundreds crowd around border officials to snatch updates on whether they can cross to Egypt by day's end, mostly only to be told "no." (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

June 9, 2010 7:47:22 AM PDT

By DIAA HADID, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM - June 9, 2010 --

Israel eased a three-year blockade of Gaza Wednesday to allow in some previously banned food items in an effort to defuse the worldwide furor over its deadly raid on a Gaza-bound international flotilla. But critics said the step falls far short of what is needed in the impoverished Palestinian territory.